Approval rates
The approval rates for Edward P. Studzinski are based on 4,649 lifetime decisions recorded since 2016. When evaluating these numbers, it is helpful to compare his lifetime record against the 35% to 84% approval range seen among other judges at the Oak Brook office. While latest-period data shows a 45% approval rate, aggregate rates describe past decisions rather than individual hearing outcomes.
Office- and national-level breakdowns of fully favorable vs denial rates aren't currently published by SSA in the per-office disposition data. The judge's own breakdown is the detail we have today.
Approval rate over time
Year-over-year approval rate across Judge Studzinski's docket. Annual rates fluctuate with the mix of cases SSA assigns; the longer-run pattern is more informative than any single year.
Decision pattern
Since 2016, the decision pattern for Edward P. Studzinski has shown variation. After several years of lower approval rates, the data indicates a recent upward trend, with the latest period reaching 45% approval. This shift suggests that the judge's recent approach differs from his historical average, though the specific evidence in your file remains the primary factor in your final determination.
Preparing for an SSDI hearing
The guidance below applies to any SSDI hearing, not specifically to Judge Studzinski's bench. Judge-specific preparation guidance requires a corpus of public Appeals Council decisions involving each judge, which we haven't built yet.
- Bring a clean treating-physician record. Longitudinal primary-care or specialist notes spanning the disability period, with consistent symptom documentation, are typically the strongest evidence at hearing. A single month's records usually aren't enough.
- Don't rely on consultative exams alone. If your medical evidence is built primarily around a one-time CE finding, expect detailed questioning. Supplement with treating-source statements where possible.
- Prepare for daily-activity questions. Have honest, specific answers about a typical day. Answers that conflict with the medical record (in either direction) tend to hurt credibility.
- Expect transferable-skills probing. A vocational expert will usually testify about jobs available to someone with your limitations. Your representative should be prepared to cross-examine.
Reading this because a claim was denied? Decode the letter — what the sentence means, what to file, and by when.
About the Oak Brook hearing office
The Oak Brook hearing office serves claimants throughout the Illinois region. With a bench of 10 judges on record, this office manages a high volume of disability claims. The office-wide latest approval rate is 60%, providing a benchmark for the local administrative environment.
Other judges at this hearing office
The Social Security Administration uses a workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases, meaning the judge you draw is essentially random. There are 10 judges on record at the Oak Brook office since 2016, with 2 judges currently reported in the latest SSA file. Approval rates across this bench vary widely, ranging from 35% to 84% over their respective careers.
Approval rates change with a lawyer
Source: U.S. Government Accountability Office, GAO-18-37. The 3× gap is a population-wide average across all judges; individual outcomes vary.
Frequently asked questions
Edward P. Studzinski has a lifetime approval rate of 35%, which sits at the lower end of the 35% to 84% range observed among the 10 judges on record at the Oak Brook office. Because approval rates vary significantly by judge, having a well-documented case is essential. An attorney can help you prepare your evidence to meet the specific standards of this hearing office.
Yes, the data shows a fluctuating trend for Edward P. Studzinski since 2016. While his approval rate dipped in previous years, it has risen to 45% in the most recent reporting period. If you are concerned about how these trends might impact your case, an attorney can help you evaluate your medical evidence and prepare for your hearing.
No, you cannot request a specific judge for your SSDI hearing. The Social Security Administration uses an automated, random workload-balancing algorithm to assign cases to ensure efficiency. Since you cannot choose your judge, focusing on the strength of your medical evidence is the best way to prepare.
An SSDI hearing is a formal but non-adversarial proceeding where an ALJ reviews your medical records and hears testimony. You may be asked questions about your daily limitations and work history. An attorney can help you prepare for these questions and ensure your medical records are clearly presented.
A judge's approval rate is a statistical reflection of past decisions and is not a prediction of how they will rule on your specific case. While Edward P. Studzinski has a lifetime rate of 35%, your outcome depends on the quality of your evidence and how well it meets SSA disability criteria. An attorney can help you build a case that addresses the specific requirements of the law.